Cotati City Council approves recreational cannabis sales by its sole dispensary

(Photo by David McNew/Getty Images)

Cotati on Tuesday became the first city in Sonoma County to allow sales of recreational cannabis to adults in 2018.

The City Council voted 5-0 to allow the city's sole dispensary, Mercy Wellness, to sell non-medical marijuana to adults 21 and older starting Jan. 2.

Voters in November 2016 approved Proposition 64, which allows adults to use, possess and grow up to six plants of non-medical marijuana for personal use. Under Proposition 64, California cities can enact their own regulations regarding indoor cultivation and can prohibit outdoor cultivation altogether.

"This is a landmark day for the hard work and dedication put in the last seven years. We are the first in Sonoma County to be approved for this, and we are beyond excited to open our doors and our hearts to all of you," Mercy Wellness posted on its website.

Cotati voters approved a cannabis business tax on Nov. 7, and the city's Planning Commission and Council are working on final regulations for approval in January.

The urgency ordinance passed Tuesday allows Mercy Wellness to continue selling cannabis to adults from its location at 7950 Redwood Drive and apply for a temporary state license.